Up to 80 walkers strode out from Rye for charity on Sunday May 18. They were taking part in the 16th annual sponsored walk organised by the Rye and Winchelsea Rotary Club. Setting out in the sunshine from Phillips & Stubbs’ office in Cinque Ports Street, the choice was offered of three distances, the shortest being three miles along the river Rother downstream to North Point and back by a circuitous route.
The other walks were a seven mile hike crossing the ancient Wainway Channel to Moneypenny Farm, East Guldeford then turning back, and the longest of some 10 miles going on to Iden Lock and returning by way of Scots Float Sluice along the Saxon Shore Way. Principal beneficiaries of the sponsorship will be the Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital and St Michael’s Hospice, but walkers could also donate half what they raised to other charities and good causes.
Among the youngest walkers was Axal Kelly, aged 10, who raised £119 in sponsorship. He was accompanied by his grandmother Janet Sherwood. They are pictured receiving their walk completion certificate from Rotarian Richard Popple. Axal commented: “It was good until my leg started aching on that stony path, but I’m definitely doing it again next year.”
Photo Kenneth Bird